CONTROVERSIAL business leader Jerry Blackett was today named as new chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry on a salary of #120,000-a-year.

Mr Blackett, currently the Chamber's policy director, takes over from Sue Battle who retires in August, and pledged to "bat for Birmingham".

Mr Blackett admitted that business was often misunderstood, but promised the sector would seek to "promote a better Birmingham".

His appointment comes less than two months after calls for his resignation during the super-casino battle between Birmingham City FC and the NEC Group, when the Chamber urged members to back the NEC in a poll.

Mr Blackett was widely criticised for not declaring the financial interests the Chamber held in the NEC in the form of shares, revenue and salaries paid to Chamber directors.

Mr Blackett said: "Sue Battle has done a fantastic job in establishing Birmingham Chamber as the voice of business in the city.

"Maintaining and building on this contribution to the city will be a priority for me. It is only business that generates the wealth to pay for the exciting plans we have for Birmingham."

Mr Blackett, of Dorridge, joined Birmingham Chamber three years ago and has led its policy activities, and currently chairs the influential West Midlands Business Transport Group. He is married to Flora and has three sons.

Simon Topman, BCI president, said: "We are delighted with Jerry's appointment. This is the result of an extensive national search and selection process that began some five months ago."

Other candidates thought to have been on the five-strong shortlist were David Draycott, the Chamber's director of business services, and Louise Bennett, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.